A woman's former husband stabbed her boyfriend to death at her apartment in South Los Angeles early Monday, according to the LAPD. Her two children witnessed part of the incident.

Police responded to a call of a screaming child at the Gardena Royale Apartments in the 16200 block of Figueroa Street at 2:30 a.m.

LAPD Lt. Jeff Nolte said responding officers were confronted by the suspect, who was covered in blood.

Police then attempted to take the suspect into custody. He resisted, prompting officers to call for backup. When they were finally able to arrest the suspect, officers entered the apartment and realized they had a homicide on their hands.

"What we've learned is the suspect and a female that resides at the apartment have recently separated. The suspect returned, stabbed the new boyfriend of his ex-wife, and he has been pronounced dead at the scene," Nolte said.

The woman was also transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. She is expected to be OK.

The woman's two children - ages 2 and 6 -- witnessed part of the incident and have since been placed in protective custody, police said.

"They're doing fine with us considering the event that they witnessed," Nolte said, adding that police would be working with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and the children's relatives.

The identities of the suspect and the victim have not been released, but police say they are both in their late 20s.

No officers were hurt. The homicide investigation is being led by the LAPD's Southeast Division.